10 Best Growth Factor Serums That Are Better Than Retinol

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Whether you’re looking for a product that can diminish fine lines or speed up your skin’s healing process, investing in one of the best growth factor serums has been hailed as a gentle alternative to retinol. While the name sounds intimidating, growth factor serums really just mimic the youthful, plumped look all of our skin has when we’re young. “Growth factor serums contain ingredients that signal various mechanisms in the skin to repair cellular damage and promote the induction of collagen and elastin,” says dermatologist Dr. Wolinsky. They can also be packed with peptides, hydrators, and other all-star ingredients so you can find the perfect option for your skin’s needs.

While face serums, retinol eye creams, and wrinkle-filling products can all help diminish signs of aging, growth factor serums tend to be gentler, and better suited to a wider range of skin types. Plus, they can also be used to treat issues like hyperpigmentation, post-acne inflammation, and damaged skin barriers. Here, we spoke to experts and reviewed options to find the 10 best growth factor serums on the market that can plump, lift, and hydrate your skin.

TNS Advanced+ Serum

“This is the OG and is meant to be used twice a day. It has a growth factor blend and peptides,” says dermatologist Dr. Lal. By far, the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is one of the best-reviewed and expert-recommended growth factor serums available. Dr. Wolinsky adds, “SkinMedica TNS Advanced is one of the most supported skincare products on the market. Derived from neonatal skin, there is data supporting growth factors can induce collagen production with long-term use, and many patients report noting their skin texture looks better after three months of use.”

Key ingredients: Human fibroblast conditioned media, peptides, shea butter, glycerin, whey protein

Skin types: Mature

Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “I have been using this for several years now. I am 74. I get so many compliments about my skin. It has to be the TNS!”

StemFactor Serum

Also available in a clinical strength formula only for professionals, this anti-aging serum uses two types of growth factor to dramatically diminish signs of aging and skin damage. “Osmosis StemFactor uses both stem cells and fibroblasts which gives them the largest variety of growth factors. To add in penetration, these serums should have exosomes that carry them into the skin the way StemFactor does,” says Dr. Johnson.

Key ingredients: Human stem cell conditioned media, human fibroblast conditioned media, witch hazel

Skin types: Mature, dull

LovelySkin rating: 4.5/5 stars

A LovelySkin reviewer says: “This serum has multiple benefits. It leaves the skin with a smoother appearance and diminished lines. A little goes a long way, there’s no offensive odor, and there’s no problem with applying moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup over it. It’s a great value, compared to other serums containing growth factors.”

Master Plan Collagen Renew Growth Factor Serum

This collagen-packed serum not only helps combat signs of aging, but can also dramatically improve skin texture and hyperpigmentation. It’s also very effective at speeding up the skin’s healing process, either post-procedure or after a breakout. Curious for more? Check out ELLE’s full review here.

Key ingredients: Cell service, peptides, hyaluronic acid, sea kelp

Skin types: All

Epi.Logic rating: 5/5 stars

An expert reviewer previously said: “With consistent use of the Master Plan Serum, my skin is brighter, tighter, and more evenly toned. My hormonal blemishes have a shorter life span and leave fewer PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) spots. My skin looks and feels more hydrated, healthy, and even more balanced.” –Shani Hillian, ELLE.com contributor

15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum

The benefits of vitamin C are well-known to include brightening and fading of dark marks. This affordable option also includes an epidermal growth factor to add even more plumping and anti-aging benefits. “This has a true peptide and vitamin C, which further helps brighten the skin,” adds Dr. Lal.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, epidermal growth factor

Skin types: All

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I love this incredibly affordable serum. I’ve been using it twice a day and it feels great on my skin. Most growth factor serums are so expensive, so the price on this is incredible.”

EGF-DNA Serum

Along with its anti-aging and plumping benefits, this serum is also ideal for anyone seeking a glow. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, this serum deeply hydrates and leaves behind a beautiful sheen to the skin. It’s also formulated for sensitive or damaged skin that is seeking a speedy recovery.

Key ingredients: Epidermal growth factor, hyaluronic acid, peptides

Skin types: All

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I love this incredibly affordable serum. I’ve been using it twice a day and it feels great on my skin. Most growth factor serums are so expensive so the price on this is incredible.”

Neuropeptide Smoothing Facial Conformer

Designed to smooth out fine lines, this serum also incorporates brightening and hydrating ingredients to add additional glow. It can even tackle discoloration due to sun damage. If you’re looking for one serum to do it all, this is it.

Key ingredients: Neuropeptides, vitamin C, jojoba oil

Skin types: Mature, dull

Perricone MD rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Perricone MD reviewer says: “This amazing product helps your skin and its appearance in every way. Smooths, plumps, brightens and softens your skin to absolute perfection. Love it!!”

High Potency EGF Serum

If you’ve been to a dermatologist or esthetician for a specialized treatment, you know that post-care is extremely important. This serum uses growth factors and plumping ingredients to speed up and support your skin’s natural healing process, leading to better results.

Key ingredients: Epidermal growth factor, collagen, hyaluronic acid

Skin types: Post-procedure, mature, dull

Skin Actives rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Skin Actives reviewer says: “My skin loves this product and heals 10 times faster after a breakout or a treatment. I really like this serum’s consistency and ease of absorption. It works great with the rest of my skincare routine and never pills or interferes with my makeup.”

SkinScience DAILY Serum

If you’re looking for the newest technology, Plated bottled it up. “This is brand new and has the latest technology with human platelet derived growth factors, and antioxidants. This is pricey, but it is truly the forefront of skin care,” says Dr. Lal. Along with its plumping properties, it also has calming ingredients that can help reduce redness.

Key ingredients: Renewosomes, antioxidants, collagen, human platelet extract, glycerin

Skin types: All

Exclusive Beauty rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I've been using Plated Intense serum for about 3 weeks now. While it may be too soon to give true results, one thing I have noticed is that I may go to bed with redness from a pimple, but when I wake up, the redness is gone. One thing to note is that you must regularly exfoliate with this product due to the rapid cell turnover. I've noticed my skin looking duller since beginning the product—a key warning sign to exfoliate. So make sure to include exfoliation with this skin care routine.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director

EGF/FGF Marvel Serum

As we age and collagen breaks down, this can lead to drooping and sagging in the skin. Specifically formulated to battle that process, this serum uses a combination of ingredients that not only help reverse signs of aging in the long term, but adds a glow for immediate improvement.

Key ingredients: Peptides, yeast extract, copper complex, squalane

Skin types: Post-procedure, mature, dull

Dermaesthetics rating: 5/5 stars

A Dermaesthetics reviewer says: “I loved it!! Gave me extra hydration for those extra dry days and made my skin glow and even out texture.”

Bio-Renew EGF Drops

Along with fine lines, noticing dullness in the skin is one of the biggest complaints as we age. This serum uses a combination of plumping, hydrating, and anti-aging ingredients to return radiance to the skin.

Key ingredients: Epidermal growth factor, peptides, hyaluronic acid

Skin types: Mature, dull, dry

Glo Skin rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Glo Skin reviewer says: “The Bio-Renew EGF drops are an incredible product that leaves my skin looking brighter and more radiant in color. I have purchased this product several times and can’t live without it!”

Meet the Experts

Dr. Karan Lal is a double-board certified adult and pediatric dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Claire Wolinsky is a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan, New York.

Dr. Ben Johnson is a physician and the founder of Osmosis Beauty.

What are growth factor serums?

If the name sounds intimidating, you’re not alone. However, you may already be using a product that contains these powerful ingredients. “Growth factor serums are products that contain various types of peptides that stimulate cell turnover, stimulate production, improve skin, quality, and skin tone. They act similarly to the naturally produced peptides that serve as growth factors in our skin,” says Dr. Lal.

It’s important to know that these growth factors are already present in our skin naturally. Dr. Johnson explains, “Some serums that contain just a few of these peptides get them from labs that make them using bacteria or yeast cells. Most growth factor serums use human stem cells and/or fibroblasts–both found in the skin–that are encouraged in a lab to make their own growth factors. This process is ideal because over 600 different peptides can be made at the same time and mimics what the skin does.”

What do growth factor serums do?

While many of us know about the anti-aging benefits of retinol, growth factor serums are disrupting the idea that reducing the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging has to come with the side effects of ultra-potent ingredients. “[Growth factor serums] can boost collagen production and repair prior cellular UV damage, leading to overall improvement of fine lines and skin texture,” says Dr. Wolinsky.

Who should be using growth factor serums?

If you are concerned about signs of aging or skin damage, you may see strong results after incorporating growth factor serums into your routine. However, generally, these products are safe for everyone to use. “Growth factors are best for patients in their 40s as this is when collagen loss starts to be noticeable and skin appears more lax. Of course, they can be used in the 20s as a preventative treatment, but I think it’s best to start these types of products in the 40s,” says Dr. Lal.

“I recommend growth factors to anyone who can’t tolerate retinoids but is looking for an anti-aging product. There is a lot of variability in the quality of these growth factors, so it’s very important to look for clinical data supporting their efficacy,” adds Dr. Wolinsky.

Are growth factor serums safe?

While growth factor serums are considered safe, like with many newer ingredients in skin care products, some concerns have been raised. “There is some research suggesting that turning on certain cellular signaling can lead to proliferation of atypical cells and actually increase [the] risk of certain skin cancers. This is very controversial,” says Dr. Wolinsky.

Dr. Lal added, “Growth factor serums do not cause cancer.” However, if you have any concerns, it’s always important to speak with your physician to make the safest choice for yourself.

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund spoke with experts and industry leaders about the benefits of growth factor serums. Freund also tested a few top-rated products and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.

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